Hockey Badgers headed to NCAA Tournament

After a 1-7-2 start, the Wisconsin Badgers capped off one of the most improbable comebacks in their history, knocking off Colorado College 3-2 to

Nic Kerdiles

win the WCHA’s Final Five Championship, the Broadmoor Trophy and more importantly, the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The Badgers (22-12-7) got goals from Tyler Barnes, Sean Little and freshman Nic Kerdiles to finish 21-5-5 in the last 31 games. Joel Rumpel finished with 19 saves as the Badgers out-shot Colorado College 33-21.

Kerdiles was named the most valuable player of the Final Five, recording a goal and an assist in the win over the Tigers. Joining Kerdiles on the all-tournament team were Tyler Barnes, John Ramage and Joel Rumpel.

The pairings for next week’s NCAA Quarterfinals will be announced on Sunday.